Running as a Family + Discount for the Sparkle Me Wild Color Run for My NC Peeps

Thank you to USFamilyGuide.com and Sparkle Me Wild Color Run for sponsoring this post. I was not financially compensated for this post. Free registration to the Sparkle Me Wild Color Run was provided in exchange. I genuinely love running so all opinions are definitely my own!

Ever since Jason and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k, we have been wanting to participate in more running events. My goal at the beginning of 2014 was to participate in at least 2-3 runs this year. Quite honestly, I would participate in more if my budget and time would allow it, and we have definitely been checking out all of the 5k events in our area, trying to decide which ones we would like to do.

Up until I actually started doing a little research, I had no idea just how often events like this take place.  For my NC peeps, the website for Endurance Magazine has a list of upcoming running events. I am pretty excited about the Bull City Race Fest and Food Truck Rodeo this October. It's a 1/2 marathon, 5 mile fun, and 1 miler, so there is definitely something for everyone.

Jason and I also want to share our love for fitness and running with our children, so we were excited to hear about the local Sparkle Me Wild Color Run. Although, we just participated in the Color Me Rad, a similar event, Jason and I enjoyed it so much, we knew this would be a perfect event for all of us to do as a family. We are so excited to get out there and have a blast!

Sparkle Me Wild Color Run will be held at the Wake Med Soccer Park in Raleigh, NC on May 10. Sparkle Me Wild is all about freedom, family, fun, being healthy, and most importantly, a beautiful life. Every once in a while we all need to let our inhibitions run free and get wild! Each step along the 5k will lead to color stations, sparkling glitter stations, and bright bling at the finish.

That's right,  everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a medal! How awesome is that?

Big, small, short, tall, all are encouraged to be a part of the sparkle parade! You can walk, skip, cart-wheel, jog (and yes, run!) or dance or way through the course and at the end, you will not be awarded on time, but rather your sparkling, carefree self as you cross the finish line!

And guess what?

All Six Cherries on Top readers get 30% off Adult Registration and Kids 10 and under are FREE! Simply use the code SPARKLE when you register!


REGISTER NOW!

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2014 Color Me Rad 5k

If you follow me at all, then you know that this past weekend, Jason and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k. I pretty much blew up all of my social media about it! Although we have been running for awhile, this was the very first 5k we have ever signed up for. It was kind of like a day date for Jason and I because we almost never do anything together, but when we do, it's almost always something truly worth our time, since they are so rare. 

At no time was I nervous, but I was a little concerned about how I would do with "people obstacles". You know, all the other runners being so close to me. Usually it's just me and the treadmill or me and the open track, and never anyone around me. It started out a little slow, since the Color Me Rad is a fun run and a lot of people who sign up choose to walk, but once we got going and the people spread out, things weren't that bad. 

I definitely recommend Color Me Rad for first time 5k runners, especially if you aren't sure you can finish the race, running the entire time. Jason and I have already been looking at another 5k in May, and I hope we will be able to attend. We would love to train and eventually run a half marathon in the next couple of years even!

Have you ever run a 5k or even a marathon? What were some of your favorites?

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The Polyvore Files | Color Me Rad

Yesterday Jason and I ran the Color Me Rad 5k so I decided to put together an outfit similar to what I wore.

Click HERE to see information about the items in this collection.

Color Me Rad is a fun run, so it's definitely a great first 5k for anyone who can't always run an entire 3.1 miles. There were people walking the entire way, some running and walking, and some, like Jason and I who ran the entire distance. I personally feel like you shouldn't be signing up for any type of 5k, marathon, whatever, if you aren't going to make the effort to at least try to run. I will be sharing some of the photos from it later on this week, so be sure to stop back by and check them out.


Have you ever run a 5k, or even a marathon? I'd love to hear about some of your favorites. 
New to The Polyvore Files? It's so simple to participate. Create an outfit or a room decor idea over at Polyvore, share it in a blog post, then come back and link up here with me or with Kara over at The Snugly Duckling. Be sure to grab our button below too!

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An InLinkz Link-up

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April Fitness Challenge: Step Out, Move About!

I'm partnering up with Erica over at Loyal RUN this month to bring you this great fitness challenge. I find it so much easier to accomplish my goals when I have someone who can push me to do my best and to talk to when I feel like giving up. I can always count on Erica to say the right things to me.

In March, I participated in the 30 Miles in March challenge she was doing, and not only did I meet my goal, I went beyond the 30 miles as well. Having that goal in the back of my mind each time I ran, motivated me to always try hard. There were some days that I just didn't want to run, but I hopped up on that treadmill and pounded out the miles anyways. Afterwards, I was always glad I didn't back out.

Now that the weather is starting to become warmer (in some areas), getting outside is on the top of my list of things I want to do. There are few things better than getting outside to breath the fresh air and getting that body moving to elevate your heart rate. Not only is it great to get outside for the fresh air, even just a few minutes in the sun allows your body to absorb Vitamin D. If you ever feel tired and depressed, especially in the winter months, you might be lacking Vitamin D.

The April Fitness Challenge is to spend 5 hours outside being active. Whether you are running, riding a bike, playing soccer with your kids, shooting hoops with some friends, or just taking a walk with your family, get out there and move with intention.

Accept this challenge as a way to get yourself motivated to start working out, or in addition to the workout routine you already have. I run on the treadmill in the morning, but it's going to be a beautiful week here in NC this week, so it will be the perfect opportunity to take the kids to the park as well. What a difference just being outside in the sun can make!

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. - Genesis 1:3-4

Be sure to head over to Loyal RUN for some tips about sunscreen before you head outside!

And don't forget to share photos and use the hashtag #stepoutmoveabout on Instagram to stay connected with everyone who participates. 


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Sometimes You Have to Push Yourself to Know Your Potential

At the beginning of this week, I just wasn't feeling a workout, and went three days without running or anything. I wasn't in any kind of funk, I just felt tired. My body was screaming "Go easy on me!" so I gave it what it wanted and rested for a few days. I even thought maybe I was trying to get sick, and that I would probably not accomplish my goal of 8 miles this week either.

Wednesday evening I started to feel a little better, and while I talked to Jason on the phone about some of the workouts he has been doing during PT, I decided that if I felt better on Thursday, I was going to challenge myself during my next run. I told him I was going to try to run my fastest mile in 9 minutes. Now, if you know me, you know, it's not about speed for me. It's all about distance. I would rather pump out 3 miles with a good pace, than to do one mile as fast as I can. I am slowly training myself to run further distances, because eventually, I would like to be able to run a half marathon. Burning myself out in a 9 minute mile won't get me there. Eventually my miles will becoming faster as I become stronger, but I am not at that point yet.

My goal was to run the mile in 9 minutes. My results were 9:13. I didn't make my goal, but it was still my fastest mile to date. I'm not gonna lie, it was tough! I was literally screaming at myself to keep going. I did it, it felt great to accomplish, and I realized that it really wasn't my body that wanted to give up, it was my brain. My brain was trying hard to convince me that I had had enough, but I blocked that little voice and pushed on.

I woke up this morning still feeling excited about my fastest mile, so I decided to push myself again, but this time to accomplish a goal of running my longest distance. I set a goal to run 6 miles at a pace that I was comfortable with and set out to see what I could do. Not only did I make it to 6 miles, I actually felt like I could continue on, but I didn't. It's all about baby steps for me, and I think it's important to revel in your accomplishments a little.

Sometimes you have to push yourself to know your potential, but at the same time, set goals that are realistic. We all have the potential to run faster, run further, to do 10 more squats when your legs feel like jello, or to go a little bit further no matter what the workout is. I certainly never thought I would get there, but I am glad I challenged myself. When your brain tells you that you need to stop, keep going just a little longer!

I want to challenge myself in other areas as well, so I am definitely looking forward to Jason getting back from Missouri. We will be starting a fitness routine together and he is going to teach me some of the workouts he has been doing for strength training. Even he said that his whole body feels like mush after doing some of these moves.


What are some of the accomplishments you have had recently from just pushing a little harder than you thought you could handle? What did you discover you had the potential to do that you didn't think was possible?


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Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise with Fit Happy Headbands

What an amazing feeling it is, to push through a long hard workout. I never thought in a million years that I would love running as much as I do. I still remember back to a few years ago when I couldn't even run more than a 1/4 of a mile without feeling like my throat was going to close. Now I can easily pound out 5 miles during a workout, and I am pretty proud of how far I have come.

Ashley, over at Fit Happy, recently sent me some of her workout headbands to try out, and I must say,  a headband is now officially a must for me. Usually, while running, no lie, I have to pull my shirt up on the side to wipe the sweat from my forehead, and away from my eyes. I'm sure when I'm running at the track, all the passersby love that!

Let me just tell you, these things are awesome! Not only are they super comfortable and stay put during my runs, they definitely keep the sweat out of my eyes. They are such a perfect fit on my head because most other headbands I either have to constantly adjust them or they shoot off like a rubber band. They are made of a nylon spandex material, which is basically the same or similar material that women's swimsuits are made of. Each one has a thick piece of elastic in the back that keeps the headband in place.

There is a huge variety of solid colors to choose from, as well as a few patterns, including the trendy chevron patterns in an assortment of colors too. Another one of my favorites is this American flag headband. How awesome is that one?

Ashley was super great to work with and really pays attention to detail when it comes to her products.  She sent me one of her most popular styles in 3 different colors. I love how these headbands are crafted. They aren't just strips of fabric that have been sewn to a piece of elastic. Their unique design is what makes them fit so well and stay in place. Be sure to check them out for yourself!

I can hardly believe that in a little over a week I will be running in the Color me Rad 5k with Jason. It's kind of a big deal for me since it will be my first 5k! And, guess what? The run is on the exact one year anniversary of when I officially committed to this new lifestyle and started losing weight last year. This run will be a celebration of the nearly 60 lbs. I have lost in the last year. I will definitely be wearing one of my Fit Happy headbands!

Be sure to follow Fit Happy over at Facebook with Murabelle (the parent company to Fit Happy), to stay up to date on sales, new items, and even giveaways! 

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Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise: Freezer Paper Fitness Tanks

Yesterday, I shared with you a new workout tank that I purchased at Kohl's this past week. I have been seeing all kinds of tanks everywhere all over the internet, in stores, and even on other people the few times I have made it out to the track recently. I wanted some of my own, but the crafter in me, just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make my own.

I made Elijah a bunch of shirts last year using the freezer paper stenciling method, and I wanted to try it again on some inexpensive plain workout tanks I purchased at Walmart. I also had some iron on letters from a project ages ago, so rather than let them collect dust any longer, I put them to good use by creating a couple of short sayings with the letters that were left.

Not only do you get to try to read these backwards in a dirty mirror, but you get to see my crazy hair. The second one is the one I did with freezer paper and is hard to read here, especially backwards, but it says, "FIT MOM of six kids". On the third one, I added this cute little bow that definitely gives it a feminine touch! I used the same method for making the knotted hair ties, but instead of tying the bow to the elastic, I simply tied them to the strap of my shirt. What do you think? I love how they turned out, and have plans for a few more shirts. 

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I just want to thank everyone who has shown me love and support lately. I have gotten so many emails and comments from you all with stories of your own weight loss journeys and challenges. Some of you have even revealed health related issues with me that have made it difficult for you to either lose weight, or the reason you started your weight loss journey. I want you all to know that I read each of your stories and care deeply about you all. I believe we are all here to uplift and encourage each other, and as you think I am inspiring you, you are inspiring me as well. 

Please continue to follow me on Instagram where I am always sharing about my journey to better health and fitness. You can also friend request me on my personal Facebook account, where I share as well.

                    

Mama Wears Yoga Pants

I don't know if this will become a regular thing here on the blog, because in all honesty, I am just now learning to style my body. I love clothes and fashion, but sometimes I feel like I am the least fashionable person on the planet. Showing myself all dressed up almost feels prideful, as if I am fishing for compliments to make me feel better about myself. However, that is not at all how I am trying to come across, and just want to share how I style my body as a mom... a mom of six, who often has time for nothing more than yoga pants and workout tanks, such as the outfit I am sharing this week.

I personally believe there is nothing wrong with wearing yoga pants or workout tanks all day, especially when you spend a lot of time running around like the Mad Hatter. Not to mention, workout wear is not just a style for me, I actually do work out. I am very much into health and fitness right now. I have actually had a little dream for several years now, to go back to school for a health and nutrition degree. However, since this mama is broke, I have yet to find any online classes that would allow me to apply with some type of grant. I'd love to hear from you, if you know of anything that can help.

I have really been in the zone with my weight loss since April 2013, but I swear, 2014 has been deemed "The Year of Health & Fitness" for everyone. So many of my of my IRL friends, blog friends, and even family, are on board the train to better health this year, which is totally a great thing! It really helps keep me motivated! There has also been an increase in these super cute workout tanks everywhere. I went into Kohl's the other day in hopes of getting this tank I had seen, but came across the one I'm wearing here, and snatched it right up.

Recently I really got into leggings and yoga pants too. I am kinda late to the game, but it's only because I weighed more before and was very self conscious about how I looked. These are actual yoga pants, and since purchasing them, I have wanted another 10 pair. I can do anything in these things, including my work outs, of course!

Tank - Kohl's, $15.99

Yoga Pants - Kohl's, 10.40

P.S. I don't have a remote for my camera, so I had to have Elijah take that first picture. My Canon is a heavy full frame camera, so I think he did very well considering. Perhaps, I can pick up a remote soon, so you can see all of me. 

                    

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor Giveaway

My first goal when starting my weight loss journey was to get my eating on track, and to find a workout activity that I loved. I had been running for a couple of years off and on and knew that I would like to get more into it and really build my stamina for longer runs. I started running on a regular basis, but it wasn't until I purchased a heart rate monitor and was able to see those calories burned after each workout that something clicked in me. I know that sounds weird, but it was because I could physically see the results of doing something I actually enjoy, that my love truly grew for running.

I truly believe you will see better results when you track your progress, whether it be counting your food calories or your calories burned. Only after putting things into perspective and allowing myself to see that some days I might not have pushed hard enough through my workout, or I may have eaten more than I should, did I start see results.


A heart rate monitor is an essential health and fitness device, in my book!

Britney :: Erica :: Joni :: Mariko :: Jodi :: Alicia :: Candra :: Kristin

Thanks to this lovely group of ladies, we are able to give away a Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor to one lucky person! You even get to choose the color!


How is that for motivation?

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This giveaway item was purchased personally by the ladies listed above. All testimonials at Six Cherries on Top are honest but do not reflect those of the other ladies. Six Cherries on Top Disclaimer/Terms of Use.